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Pope: UN racism conference 'important initiative'
Pope Benedict XVI is praising the UN conference to fight racism and xenophobia and is urging countries to join forces to eliminate all forms of intolerance and discrimination in the world.
- AP
- Published: 12:16 April 20, 2009
Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI is praising the UN conference to fight racism and xenophobia and is urging countries to join forces to eliminate all forms of intolerance and discrimination in the world.
The German-born pope says that the conference that begins Monday in Geneva is an "important initiative" because despite the lessons of history, racial discrimination and other forms of intolerance still exist.
Benedict told pilgrims Sunday at the papal vacation retreat in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, that all nations must pull together to prevent and eliminate every form of discrimination and intolerance. He said education was needed to highlight human rights and dignity.
Some countries are boycotting to protest language in the meeting's final document that they say could single out Israel for criticism.
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